Project Arrow
Anti Poaching UAV South Africa
June 2016 :Controller program working over internet on the Raspberry Pi 3 :-)
October 2017 : Controller program working over 3G
The camera I need to use would be a webcam for real time video which can be processed
by the Pi3 OR and Cellphone with an OTG port. However webcams are not the best quality,
expecially for long distance and wide angle.
Some 2 axis IP cameras now have 30x Zoom with HD low light ability. The only issue might be the stabilization and control of the camera with a mouse or joy stick or lock on function.
Camera System
Night vision uses IR light source which is invisible to the eye to laminate an area. The IR (Infrared Light) can be seen with a camera. Most cameras are sensitive to IR light but they have a lens which filters out the IR light. Therefore IR cameras are based on the same technology as ordinary cameras with the exception of being more sensitive to light. As normal camera technology improves so does IR camera technology.
IR cameras only pick up IR light which illuminates a surface. If an object isn't illuminated by the IR LED then it will appear invisible to the camera. This means IR cameras only see surfaces and many things will appear invisible behind those surfaces. The distance of a IR camera depends on the power of the IR led modules. IR LED modules are capable of 100 watts which would allow for long distance illumination. But it is a high power consuming for a UAV
Night Vision and Thermal Vision
Its been fairly difficult to judge the night vision systems and the hybrid thermal systems. The main reason is because the demonstrations are not done under the correct conditions. Most of the reviewed video I've seen is done during the day. I've become very skeptical of many of the products since I do not think they will be effective in complete darkness at 300 meters. There are thermal cameras or partly thermal on the market. Veiw products on the FLIR site for explanations on some of the small hybrid modules. Unfortunately many of these cameras are sporting old analog technology which makes it difficult to integrate with a PC. The newer HD digital thermal cameras cost over R 500 000. / I've been looking at the Path finder IR hybrid system which is currently being using in BMW. Its retailing for about R50 000. Recently I've come across a product called Therm-App. Its the best affordable "Near" thermal camera I've seen. It runs on android OTG / Plug and play port and I think you can skype the image feed (Still to be seen)
Thermal imaging cameras are rather expensive and large but new TAU 640 modules from FLIR are light weight enough to be installed in UAV's. I've been unhappy with FLIR because there is no information about making a module digital / comparable / usable. I think its best to stick to Therm-App
Hybrid systems.
Tau SWIR - Quark / Super vision / TX14
Raptor OWL 640 LWIR (looks amazing untill you try use it at night - Not even sure this is night vision never mind thermal)
Car camera to 3G is an interesting idea. Below is a link to a company that has made a converter. While this seems like a good idea, the alternative is already available. HD webcam + mini PC + Dongle. The only item that might need this setup is the thermal cam, but even that could use an AUX to USB adapter.
A demonstration of real time streaming video over 3G network. Not sure of the camera but I think its a webcam
Video above demonstrating how easy it is to find people hiding at night in trees when using a thermal camera.
